Press Releases
VICAM ANNOUNCES FLUOROMETRIC TEST FOR T-2 TOXIN
Arrival of new test applauded due to need for quantitative detection
Watertown, MA (January 18, 1999) — VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, has introduced a new fluorometer-based test product for T-2 toxin. This new test, T-2 TAG™, further demonstrates VICAM’s leadership and depth in the mycotoxin testing marketplace. VICAM prides itself on developing rapid, accurate, easy-to-use tests which give precise numerical results. VICAM is known internationally for its rapid mycotoxin and microbiological testing systems for the food and feed industries. VICAM also provides tests for mold in fruits and vegetables and tests for alpha-amylase in wheat and flour. VICAM has an additional line of separations technologies for their veterinary reproductive platform.
About T-2
T-2 is one of the more toxic trichothecene mycotoxins.
The trichothecene mycotoxins comprise a group of chemically related
fugal metabolites produced by Fusarium among other molds. T-2
is estimated to be 10 times more toxic than a related trichothecene
mycotoxin, DON (Deoxynivalenol, also known as vomitoxin). Worldwide
contamination of agricultural products with T-2 has been reported and
this mycotoxin has been implicated as a causative agent of severe nutritional
intoxications of livestock and humans (Kierek-Jaszczuk, 1996). General
signs of trichothecene toxicity in animals can include weight loss,
decreased feed conversion, feed refusal, vomiting, bloody diarrhea,
severe dermatitis, hemorrhage, decreased egg production, and death
(Morehouse, 1985). T-2 demonstrates its impact on the livestock industry
and humans through its ability to cause lesions on the skin and in
the throat. At the practical poultry production level, birds suffer
retarded growth, abnormal feathering, anaemia and oral lesions, leading
to decreased feed intake, egg production, and egg shell quality. T-2
has been implicated in and may play a role in the human disease alimentary
toxic aleukia. In this disease, impaired immune function, hemorrhage
and digestive disorders are among the symptoms. Because of concerns
about T-2, reliable and sensitive analytical methods for the quantification
of T-2 are required to prevent its entrance into the food chain at
levels that might cause untoward effects (Kierek-Jaszczuk, 1996).
T-2 has become more prevalent and more of a worry in the last year or so. Dr. Terry Mabbett, a consultant in animal production based in the UK, speaks to the climatic changes and their impact on this mycotoxin. "Like most Fusarium species, Fusarium sporotrichiodes, the main producer of T-2, responds well to cool, wet conditions. With increasing unpredictability of climate and weather in the major grain growing areas of the world, poultry producers are advised to test rigorously and regularly for the T-2 toxin."
Advantages of T-2 TAG
T-2 TAG offers benefits that are advantageous to
grain elevators, feed mills and also to integrated poultry or swine
operations. Integrated farms typically own their own buying points
for grain and their own breeding stock as well as produce their own
commercial stock so they are much more at risk for problems with T-2.
With its accuracy and reliability, this new rapid quantitative detection
kit can help by thwarting T-2 problems as far "up-stream"
in the integrated facility as possible and minimizing problems usually
encountered later on. In addition, T-2 offers any user, whether at
an integrated facility or a commercial feed mill, similar benefits
offered by DONtest TAG. T-2 TAG allows you to run a variety of samples
in either single or multiple batches and takes only approximately
20 minutes to run after extraction. In addition to its speed, sensitivity,
and accuracy, this new test for the detection of T-2 provides a quantitative
result using the same equipment as VICAM’s other mycotoxin tests.
Dr. Barb Cohen, Vice President of Research and Development at VICAM, comments on T-2 TAG’s place within VICAM’s mycotoxin testing system, "The release of the T-2 TAG product follows our successful introduction of DONtest TAG. Both of these tests for detection of trichothecene mycotoxins employ proprietary technology and provide the high degree of accuracy and precision expected from VICAM's broad mycotoxin product line. VICAM columns are also available for detection of various trichothecenes, such as T-2 and DON, by HPLC."
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted for T-2 TAG
and pricing information may be obtained by contacting VICAM or your
local distributor.
About VICAM
VICAM is a world leader in agricultural biotechnology
and bioseparations. VICAM delivers improved animal reproductivity,
increased agricultural productivity, and safeguarded food quality with
patented bioseparations and detection products worldwide. Their products
include detection, measurement, and separations technologies for veterinary
reproductive applications, foodborne carcinogens, and living cells.
To date, VICAM has applied its technologies to 18 products and 3 prototypes.
VICAM supports a global scientific and distribution presence to develop,
market, sell, and service their products in 98 countries worldwide.
For more information, contact Jennifer Smith at VICAM, 313 Pleasant
Street, Watertown, MA 02472 U.S.A.
References:
Kierek-Jaszczuk, D., R. Marquardt, and D. Abramson,
1996. Use of Heterologous Solid-Phase Antigen in an Indirect Competitive
Antibody-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for T-2 Mycotoxin.pp.
321-327. Journal of Food Protection.
Morehouse, L.G., 1985. Mycotoxins of vertinary importance in the United States. pp. 383-410. In J. Lacey (Ed.).Trichothecenes and other mycotoxins. Proc. Intl. Mycotoxin Sympos., Sydney, Australia, 1984. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
All VICAM products are protected by worldwide patents and trademarks.
Contact:
Jennifer Smith
Manager of Corporate Communications
VICAM
Tel: +1.617.926.7045
Fax: +1.617.923.8055